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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: MkVIIGTD on 24 May 2013, 15:45

Title: Launch Control
Post by: MkVIIGTD on 24 May 2013, 15:45
Just had a test drive in new MkVII GTI at my local dealer this afternoon. Car drives really well and plenty of power there too.
The sales guy mentioned to me that they come with launch control now fitted as standard... Just wondered has anyone else heard anything about this? And bigger question than that... Does it come on the GTD with DSG too?
He didn't know must about it, just mentioned the guys in the workshop had been on training for the launch and got demo of the launch control  :smiley:
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: CraigW on 24 May 2013, 16:10
I'm pretty sure the DSG will have launch control. Don't think the manual has it  :cry:
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: Gung-Ho on 24 May 2013, 17:06
No not heard about the launch control, but I for one won't be touching it. Bit of a gimmick if you ask me... I currently have something similar on my five, but after five attempts your clutch is totally mullered!!!
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: Bill_the_Bear on 24 May 2013, 17:12
By launch control do you mean the DSG function that disables the automatic shift such that you floor it and it will stay in first until it hits the red line and the safety feature kicks in and upshifts?  If so I'm not sure what he means by "standard".  Hasn't that always been a standard way you can use the DSG? 
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: Movi on 24 May 2013, 17:27
i'm sure the dsg will have it, my mk6 GTD does

it works like so.

turn off traction control

engage S mode

foot on brake

floor the accelerator - and it holds the revs at 2000 rpm

when your ready to go, let your foot off the brake and off you go! :evil:

be aware you void your warranty after 3 attempts.  :lipsrsealed:

got to be experienced at least once imo.

Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: Bill_the_Bear on 24 May 2013, 17:34
be aware you void your warranty after 3 attempts.  :lipsrsealed:

You're kidding?

So... no ex demo car comes with warranty then presumably.  And any second hand car you'd basically have to have VW inspect so they can interrogate the ECU or whatever and see if the warranty applies still or not?
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: mike. on 24 May 2013, 17:45
be aware you void your warranty after 3 attempts.  :lipsrsealed:

I think that was an urban myth as it tells you how to do it in the manual, with no warnings, and they have no way of knowing how many times you use it.

It was in my MK5 and MK6 so expect it to be in the MK7. The main issue is trying to avoid axle tramp, not an issue in the R as it just drops on the suspension and goes  :evil:
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: mark@vorny.co.uk on 24 May 2013, 17:49
Nissan void it on the GTR after 3 attempts. Porsche allow limitless abuse with theirs. Be good to know on the VW front for sure. Haven't used it on the Golf, don't intend to.

Have done several runs in Porsche's at Silverstone and it's quite fun, but can't ever imagine it being of use on the road  :nerd:
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: Movi on 24 May 2013, 17:58
be aware you void your warranty after 3 attempts.  :lipsrsealed:

You're kidding?

So... no ex demo car comes with warranty then presumably.  And any second hand car you'd basically have to have VW inspect so they can interrogate the ECU or whatever and see if the warranty applies still or not?

Just relaying what the user manual states.

don't know if there is a counter in the ECU or not.
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: mike. on 24 May 2013, 18:09
My user manual says nothing about not using it more than three times. It just describes the procedure.

Just use it as much as you like, it has no affect on warranty.
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: Bill_the_Bear on 24 May 2013, 18:11
I think that was an urban myth as it tells you how to do it in the manual, with no warnings, and they have no way of knowing how many times you use it.

Just relaying what the user manual states.

Which is it guys? :tongue:
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: master_hayabusa on 24 May 2013, 18:16
Watch this bear http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVDEHOIOcEQ
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: Movi on 24 May 2013, 18:26
My mk5 edition 30 defo had warranty exclusion after 3 attempts in black and white.

however mike is right just checked my mk6 GTD manual and it says nothing about Warranty!

just an explanation of how to use it.
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: mike. on 24 May 2013, 18:31
Maybe they have changed it as I don't even remember it mentioned in my MK5 manual, mine was a 2005 early one.

Here is what it says in my MK6 manual, as Movi has seen as well in his GTD manual.

(http://www.thewindinglane.co.uk/images/mk6gti/misc/launch.jpg)
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: matchboy on 24 May 2013, 18:33
The cars aren't quick enough to get a decent effect out of launch control, especially if the result is knackering your clutch or voiding your warranty! No point in having it!

Saying that, I've done it in a Porsche Turbo S and it was superb fun  :laugh:
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: Gung-Ho on 24 May 2013, 18:43
My thoughts exactly... Just a "gimmick" if you ask me. Has no use whatsoever.
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: AAddict on 24 May 2013, 19:36
Ya don't need this if you've got a limited slip differential  :laugh:
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: MkVIIGTD on 24 May 2013, 19:38
Gimmick or not it still looks like a bit of fun to start with  :laugh:
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: JonnyG on 24 May 2013, 20:13
All my DSG Golfs have had launch control ... and my current car too  :evil:

The story about voiding your warranty is an old wives tale (for VW's anyway)  :smiley: :wink:  ... the manual clearly states how to use launch control and does not mention limiting it to three

It's not something you really need in normal driving, but without it, especially with AWD cars, the car will get bogged down off the line when you need a quick getaway (as you can't rev the engine at all before releasing the brake). 

This old but humorous video shows how launch control works (as well as how DSG beats a manual  :tongue:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4HpD5K6Qws

EDIT

Another good video here ... DSG car starts at 3.00 mins in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRwfvnDt7BA

Shows how smooth and easy launch control actually is  (the name sounds more dramatic than it really is) :smiley: 
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: Gryzor on 29 May 2013, 10:44
All sounds well-and-good, but even if the "3 strikes and your out" story is an old VWives tale...launch control in a medium-sized family car that does 0 - 60 in only 7 or 8 seconds?!  Nah...

Give me a manual where I can hold whatever revs I want in whatever gear I want whenever I want...that sounds like more fun to me!
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: Bill_the_Bear on 29 May 2013, 10:46
All sounds well-and-good, but even if the "3 strikes and your out" story is an old VWives tale...launch control in a medium-sized family car that does 0 - 60 in only 7 or 8 seconds?!  Nah...

Give me a manual where I can hold whatever revs I want in whatever gear I want whenever I want...that sounds like more fun to me!

What do you mean 7 or 8 seconds!?!?!

Its 6.5 or better dammit! :tongue:
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: matchboy on 29 May 2013, 10:47
All sounds well-and-good, but even if the "3 strikes and your out" story is an old VWives tale...launch control in a medium-sized family car that does 0 - 60 in only 7 or 8 seconds?!  Nah...

Give me a manual where I can hold whatever revs I want in whatever gear I want whenever I want...that sounds like more fun to me!

What do you mean 7 or 8 seconds!?!?!

Its 6.5 or better dammit! :tongue:

Still pointless, all you'll do is ruin your tyres!

Now 0-60 in 2.9 seconds in a Turbo S.....  :laugh:
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: Gryzor on 29 May 2013, 10:51
All sounds well-and-good, but even if the "3 strikes and your out" story is an old VWives tale...launch control in a medium-sized family car that does 0 - 60 in only 7 or 8 seconds?!  Nah...

Give me a manual where I can hold whatever revs I want in whatever gear I want whenever I want...that sounds like more fun to me!

What do you mean 7 or 8 seconds!?!?!

Its 6.5 or better dammit! :tongue:

Haha, Mk6 cars generally I'm referring to as rough speeds!  Mk7, granted the GTI is 6.5 or better, but still way outside what I'd say warrants such a pointless gimmick!  But, if it works and doesn't void your warranty, go for it ;)  Personally, I prefer the lazy way of setting off that doesn't involve strict procedures!
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: monkeyhanger on 29 May 2013, 11:03
If they don't warn you about it in the user manual after telling you how to use launch control than  I can't see how they could punish you for using it and shagging your clutches within the DSG box by claiming you invalidated the warranty. VW always err on the side of caution when it comes to engineering, over-engineering if anything to ensure longevity. Giving you access to something that is going to shag your car after a few tries seems off to me.

In any case i'd probably feel more comfortable doing this to a 6 speed wet clutch box than a 7 speed dry clutch box fitted to 1.4TSIs.
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: Hawaii-Five-O on 29 May 2013, 11:27
In any case i'd probably feel more comfortable doing this to a 6 speed wet clutch box than a 7 speed dry clutch box fitted to 1.4TSIs.

My current (dry clutch) 7 speed DSG does not offer launch control. Just as well too :wink:
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: mark@vorny.co.uk on 29 May 2013, 12:44
It is incredibly mechanically unsympathetic in my opinion.

I haven't done it in the wife's Golf.

In mine, you put it in a mode (sport plus), foot on brake, foot to the floor so it's bouncing off the limiter, and release the brake, and pow........

Not something to do at the lights waiting for a pedestrian to cross or in the drive-thru......

Done it once with my son in the car just out of curiosity.....
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: mcmaddy on 29 May 2013, 13:05
All sounds well-and-good, but even if the "3 strikes and your out" story is an old VWives tale...launch control in a medium-sized family car that does 0 - 60 in only 7 or 8 seconds?!  Nah...

Give me a manual where I can hold whatever revs I want in whatever gear I want whenever I want...that sounds like more fun to me!

What do you mean 7 or 8 seconds!?!?!

Its 6.5 or better dammit! :tongue:

Still pointless, all you'll do is ruin your tyres!

Now 0-60 in 2.9 seconds in a Turbo S.....  :laugh:

2.6 seconds in a nissan GT-R  :cool:
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: matchboy on 29 May 2013, 13:08
^^ Nice!!  :cool:
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: Gryzor on 29 May 2013, 13:10
Or you can have the Ariel Atom V8 at just 2.3 seconds, or a "proper" car in the guise of a Bugatti Veyron Super Sport at a rather snail-like 2.43 seconds...ouch!

Makes the 2.8 seconds 0-60 time on a rollercoaster I was riding at the weekend seem slow!
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: JonnyG on 31 May 2013, 19:53
In mine, you put it in a mode (sport plus), foot on brake, foot to the floor so it's bouncing off the limiter, and release the brake, and pow........

There's something wrong with yours then  :undecided:  launch control limits the revs to around 3000rpm.
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: Flintymutt on 31 May 2013, 20:26
In mine, you put it in a mode (sport plus), foot on brake, foot to the floor so it's bouncing off the limiter, and release the brake, and pow........

There's something wrong with yours then  :undecided:  launch control limits the revs to around 3000rpm.

Perhaps he forgot to take the traction control off?
Title: Re: Launch Control
Post by: mark@vorny.co.uk on 31 May 2013, 21:00
In mine, you put it in a mode (sport plus), foot on brake, foot to the floor so it's bouncing off the limiter, and release the brake, and pow........

There's something wrong with yours then  :undecided:  launch control limits the revs to around 3000rpm.

Perhaps he forgot to take the traction control off?

I said on mine, I haven't got a Golf.

My wife has, hence me being on here. Apologies for the confusion  :smiley: